Sochi Winter Olympics: Australians to watch in Sochi

Australia's hottest gold medal favourite had a quiet start to the season, skipping the first event and getting taken out by a competitor in the second. But the two-time world champion has a habit of turning it on when it matters most.

Ski slopestyler Anna Segal won the 2011 world championship so can't be discounted from medal contention if fit enough. Photo: Simon Schluter

Snowboard halfpipe, cross and slopestyle

Wants to undertake an ambitious program of three events at the Games, and would be the first snowboarder to do so. Maybe stretching herself thin competing in snowboard cross but Bright has what it takes to repeat her Vancouver gold in halfpipe and could medal in slopestyle.

Russ Henshaw

Ski slopestyle

Consistent start to the season including podium finishes in New Zealand and on the Dew Tour. Likes to go big and tends to score well with judges. A medal is in sight if his knee holds up.

Anna Segal

Ski slopestyle

Didn't begin the northern hemisphere season particularly well and may have some injury issues. Proven big event performer and won the 2011 world championship so she can't be discounted if fit enough.

David Morris

Freestyle aerials

Excellent finish to the 2012/13 season saw Morris rocket into medal consideration. If he pulls out his best jumps he's more than capable of taking a spot on the podium.

Dale Begg-Smith

Moguls

Australia's man of mystery. A gold and silver medal winner in consecutive Games, Canadian-born Begg-Smith is back after a three-year hiatus following the Vancouver Olympics. Good enough to win another medal.

Laura Peel

Freestyle aerials

Doesn't have the big tricks of Lassila or the Chinese contingent but has medalled at World Cup level. New format will suit her more conservative jumps and will be favoured to sneak a medal if she reaches the Super Final of her event.

Michelle Steele

Skeleton

The best performed of the Australians who took up the sport as part of the Olympic Winter Institute experiment back in 2004. Top eight may be more realistic but has medalled at World Cup level.

Holly Crawford

Snowboard Halfpipe

Slow start to the season but she's a tough competitor who likes to go big. Finished second in a quality field at the Sochi World Cup meet last February. Likely last tilt at a medal in her third Olympics.

Scotty James

Snowboard halfpipe and slopestyle

Early season form suggests he may be taking over the mantle of Nate Johnstone as Australia's premier men's halfpipe exponent. A medal may be a stretch but will be good to watch. Competes in slopestyle as well.

Jarryd Hughes

Snowboard cross

Surprise World Cup winner in December. Young, fast, improving and with nothing to lose, which could help his chances.

Belle Brockhoff

Snowboard cross

A World Cup medallist who made the final on the Sochi course during last year's test events. May make as many waves off-piste given her firm stance against Russia's gay propaganda laws.

Jana Pittman and Astrid Radjenovic

Two-woman bobsleigh

Kudos to two-time 400m hurdles world champion Pittman, who is set to become the first Australian woman to compete in summer and winter Games. Even with a new sled the going will be tough for the Ice Birds but any way you look at it, it will be an entertaining ride.